The Strife of the Roses and Days of the Tudors in the WestRogers, W. H. Hamilton (William Henry Hamilton)
History
The Strife of the Roses and Days of the Tudors in the West
Rogers, W. H. Hamilton (William Henry Hamilton)
Great Britain -- History -- Tudors, 1485-1603; Great Britain -- History -- Wars of the Roses, 1455-1485
"The Duke of Northumberland wold not agree that any searching of
his death shuld bee treason. So the lordis acquited him of high
treason and condemned him of treason feloniouse, and so he was
adjudged to be hangid."
As the punishment was hanging, he "departed without the ax of the
Toure"--which the people outside not understanding, "shouted harf a
dousen times so loud that from the halle dore it was harde at Charing
Crosse plainely, and rumours went that he was quitte of all."
But his adversaries had got him too safely for release on this side of
the grave, once more he was to appear before his fellow-men when the
axe, and not the halter as was adjudged him, was to finish all.
On Friday, the 22nd of January following, the Duke was, at eight in
the morning, beheaded on Tower Hill.
It was not until five days after the execution of the Duke that Sir
Thomas Arundell, and his companion Sir Ralph Vane were put on their
trial.
The first to be tried was Sir Thomas' presumed confederate, Sir Ralph
Vane. Machyn relates,--
"1551-2,--The xxvii. day of January was reynyd at Westmynster
Hall, ser Raff a Vane knyght of tresun and qwyt of hytt, and cast
of felony to be hangyd."
Of this resolute and brave man, says Hayward,--
"He was charged with conspiring with _Somerset_, but his bold
answers termed rude and ruffian-like, falling into ears apt to
take offence, either only caused, or much furthered his
condemnation. 'The time hath been,' said he, 'when I was of some
esteem, but now we are in peace which reputeth the coward and
couragious alike.'"
He strongly denied that he had practised treason against the King, or
any of the Lords of the Council, and added that "his blood would make
Northumberland's pillow uneasy to him." The 'qwest' were not long in
disposing of him, and the King comments,--
"27 Jan., 1551-2. Sir Rafe Vane was condemned of felony in
treason, aunsering like a ruffian."
The next day was appointed for Sir Thomas Arundell to appear before
his judges. It was apparent they must have had very slender or
unsatisfactory evidence, and it is cruel to read with what pertinacity
they were required to decide on his case.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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